Reclosing circuit breaker



June 8, 1943. T. BIRKENMAlE-:R Erm. 2,321,122

RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREAKER June 8, 1943- T. BIRKENMAIER Erm. 2,321,122

RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREKER Filed June 8. 1942." 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fles. I Plaza.7

June 8, 1943.

fr. BIRKl-:NMAIER Erm.

l RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed June 8. 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet I5 ros I Y I 394/ /7/ l? `es? T. BIRKENMAIER ETAL REGLOSVING CIRCUIT BREAKER June 8, 1943.

Filed June 8. 1942 l 25 FIG. 9. 3

zig /85 2/5 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 June 8, 1943,- T. BIRKENMAIER rs1-Al.. 2,321,122

RECLOSING CIRCUIT BREAKER Filed June 8,. 1942 5 SheetS-Sheet 5 FIG. I3. y

FIGIE.

Patented June 8, 1943 UNITED STAT RECLOSING CIRC'IT BREAKER Theodore Birkenmaier, St. Louis, and Carl E. Mosley, Overland, M0., assignors to W. lN. Matthews Corporation, St. Louis, Mo., a corporation of Missouri Application June 8, 1942, Serial No. 446,216

(CIMO-89) 28 Claims.

This invention relates to reclosing circuit breakers or switches, and with regard to certain more specific features to repeater switches of this class.

Among the several objects of the invention may be noted the provision of a solenoid-operated repeater switch in which is avoided the application to the switch linkage of the often violent action of the solenoid, such as is caused by heavy fault current; the provision of apparatus of the class described which operates reliably and consistently regardless of the expected variations in force of operation provided by a solenoid control; the' provision of apparatus of the class described which more closely approaches desirable inverse tiinecurr'ent characteristics than can be expected. from the ordinary solenoid-operated switches; the provision of a device of this class which is trip-free, that is, one which can? not be manually closed and remain shut on a dead short or overload; and the provision of apparatus of the class described which will not be operated unnecessarily under conditions of harmless transients. Other objects will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the elements and combinations of elements, features of .constructionY and arrangements of parts vwhich will be exemplified in the structures hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which is illustrated one of various possible embodiments of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a front elevation, parts being broken the following away for clarity, the parts being in circuit-closing position;

Fig. 2 is a right-side elevation of Fig. 1, parts being broken away;

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of Fig. l, parts being broken away;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional detail' of a timing mechanism, being taken on line 1 4 of Fig. 2;

section taken liminary solenoid-released condition;

Fig. 9 is a View similar to Fig. 1, showing a.

progressive condition of parts in which additional releasing functions have 'occurred beyond those shown in Fig. 8;

Figs. 10 and 11 are fragmentary views of parts of Fig. 9 showing successively advanced positions 1 ol certain parts;

Figs. 12 and 13 are views similar to Fig. show- -ing additional positions of parts; and,

Fig. 14 is a view showing a trip-free condition.

Similar reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

Although lthe present invention is shown as applied to an air circuit breaker, it is to be understood that the principleathereof may be applied to oil and similar circuit breakers in other ambient mediums. Ir

Heretofore, overload-current-responsive solenoids have been used for initiating the action of circuit breakers, but their characteristics have been found to be quite variable, since the operating force on the armature of 4the solenoid is variable, being about proportional to the ampere turns of current. Consequently under heavy current operation they tend to operate the circuit breaker mechanism more violently; in fact so violently in many instancesthat damage is done to the mechanical linkage. In addition, switches which are solenoid operated per se do not have desirable inverse time-current characteristics.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. 1-3 wherein the new circuit breaker is shown in circuit closing position, numeral i indicates a base by means ci' which the apparatus is mounted, preferably in an elevated position. Spaced from this base ion four pillars 3 is an insulating platform or head 5 which is counterbored to receive four movable terminals or circuit contacts 1, two being on each side ofthe apparatus. .Each contact or terminal 'I is resiliently biased downward by a spring 9, being limited in downward movement by seating on the end of an insulating tube tl screwed into the head 5 from below. The four tubes` vI I are preferably made or horn ber or like ie-ionizing substance for de-ionizing any arcs` that may form therein.

Line wires are indicated at I3 and I5. These carry the load and each member 21. The thermostatic member or element -21 comprises bimetal VAhaving elements of different coemcientso'f thermal expansion rigidly connected along their lengths and -wound pro- The purpose of the latch 51, 59 is to hold the slider 35 up against downward -bias which may be applied thereto through a drive link 51. This link 01 is pinned to the slider 35 at 59 vand is pinned to a crank1| at 10. If the crank 1I is rotated counterclockwise, it will drive down the link 51, and this, through pivot 59, tends to drive downv theslider 35. However, downward motion y is normally blocked by the latch 51, 59. Latch 51,

switch, a circuit is closed in series through the A solenoid I1 and through the thermostatic element 21 (Fig. 3).

Details of the thermostatic element may be found in Parsons United States Patent 2,121,259, dated June 21, 1938, wherein it is made clear that such a thermostat will contract along the axis of the major helix when heated, provided that the metal component having the lesser coefficient of thermal expansion is wound outside on the small helix, and the metal component having the greater coefficient of expansion is wound on the inside of said small helix. Thus any heating of the element 21 byexcessive current therein for a long enough time results in a substantial shortening of the length of the element 21, thus drawing down the end of the arm 25. The time required for shortening is in an inverse ratio to current. The results of this action, along with that of the solenoid I1, willbe traced hereinafter. It is to be understood that the bimetallic characteristics of the thermostat are exemplary of other composite metallic combinations.

. The switch means for-closing the circuit across the pairs of terminals 1 consists of a pair of conducting bars which are mounted crosswise upon an insulating crosshead 33, the latter being supported upon the upper endof .a slider 35. Ihe slider and the bars'30 are not in conductive relationship. Each bar 30 carries at each opposite end a conducting switch plug 31 which is rigidly attached as indicated by the nuts v39. 'I'he plugs-31 'are long enough so that when the bars 30 are up, contacts are made with the resilient terminals 1. Thus, when the slider 35 is up, the circuit is closed at four points. This connects the solenoid I1 and the thermostat 21 in series with one another and with the switch constituted by the bars 30,` plugs 31 and terminals 1. The circuit when opened breaks at four points.

noid I1.

59 does not block upward movement.

The crank 1| is keyed upon a shaft 13 which is rotary in the subframe 49. An inner bearing plate for this shaft is shown at 15 (Fig. 4). Keyed to shaft 13 is also a rotary cam latch 11 which has a generally spiral shape, thus forming a catch portion 19.

Cooperating with the catch 19 is a sliding holding plate 8| (Figs. 4 and 5). This is slidable in a stationary guide 83 which is attached to the frame 49. An opening 85 in plate 8| accommodates the lower end 81 of a lever 89 pivoted at 9| to the frame 49. This lever 89 reaches up through an opening in the plate 5 and is pivoted at 9| to a connecting link 93, part of which is insulated as shown at 95. This link 93 is pivoted at 91 to the magnetic armature 99 of the solethe left in Fig. 1 by a spring |0I. -The link 93 slides upona support |03. Thus, energization of the solenoid I1 results in pullingthe top of lever 89 to the right and moving its lower end 81 to the left. This moves the slide`8| to the left from under the c am latch 19. When the s olenoid I1 is deenergized, its spring |0| drives the slider 8| ,back against vthe cam latch 11, which being spirally shaped allows the plate 8| to move in gagement with the teeth of the ratchet |09. The

each within one of the arc-suppressing fiber tubes II.

The slide'35 is constrained to move vertically in guides 4| and at its lower endcarries a lateral extension 43 to which is attached a tension spring 45 supportedby bracket 41. The spring 45 places a continuous upward bias upon the slide 35 and therefore normally biases the terminal-engaging plugs 31 into line closing position vagainst the resinent terminan 1 (see Figs. 1 and a).

The guides 4I are associated with a subframe 4 9 supported upon a rigid supporting bracket 5|.

This subframe carries various items to be de-V scribed, including a pivot 53 for a bell-crank 55 to the right of the slider 35 (Fig. 1). The down-- tion with the rocker arm25, as indicated at B5y (Fig. 2).

pawl crank III is on a shaft II9 which-is driven or biased by means of a main power spring I2I reacting at |23 against an extension |25 of said frame 49. 'I'he spring may be wound up by rotating a drum |21 from a pull chainl |29. This tensions the spring and retracts or sets back the pawl I I5 clockwise with respect to the ratchet |09. Since the spring I2I biases the pawl |I5 counterclockwise (Fig. 4), it.drives or tends to drive the gears I 01, |05, |04 as indicated by the arrows, thus biasing the crank 1| counterclockwise. This also drives the catch 19 against the slide 8 I, unless by action of the solenoid I1, in which eventthe a spring drives the crank 1| through the ratchet and the gear train.

However, even when the slide 8l is pulled out from under the catch 19 it is not possible for the spring |2| to move the gear train and crank for more than a very short distance, as ,determined by the slack in the mechanism 1|, 51, 35. This is because this mechanism tends to drive down the slider 35, but the slider is held by the latch 51, 59 so long as `the bell-crank 55 is not moved counterclockwise (see Fig. 8).

When the latch 51, 59 is opened (as by shrinkage of the thermostatic coil 21 under ow o! .excess current therethrough which causes heating) thm the power spring I2I (after release of The armature slides through an open-- ing in the solenoid and is normally biased toward the catch 19 by action of the solenoid |1) may drive the linkage 1|, 51, 35. This withdraws the terminal-engaging elements 31 from the terminals 1, thus effecting a four-point opening of the circuit. The driving action of the spring |2| is enough to overcome the tension of spring 45.

-Also, the driving action not only draws down the slider 35, but ultimately biases it up again during a complete cycle of movement. This provides the reclosing action.

In order to provide time delay for the reclosing action, the sliderv 35, during upward movement, temporarily lis linked up with an escape-` slider-35.

A spring |43 biases the arm |39 clockwise normally to effect engagement between the rising catch |31 and one of the teeth A, B or C. When the slider 35 moves down, the catch |31 rides over any tooth A, B or C which is in its path, due

. may be.

to the resilience o! the spring |43 permitting reacting on the frame 49 at |49. The spring |41 is arranged normally to bias the sector |3| clockwise to the position shown in Fig. l.

In order that both clockwise and counterclockwise action of the sector |3| vshall be delayed action, the shaft is provided with an attached gear |5| which meshes with a pinion |53. Carried on the same shaft with the pinion |53 attached is also a two-Way escapement Wheel |51. The teeth on this Wheel alternately engage the swinging pallets I 59 of an oscillating anchor |5| pivoted at |33. The opposite ends of this anchor |5| carry adjustable inertia weights |55. These weights may be adjusted in position on the anchor by set screws |61, thus enabling the escapement to be timed for different periods of delay. kBy changing the position of the teeth on the sector |3| and coordinating the teeth with' the gear train 04, |95 and |01, it is also possible and desirable to provide different time delay intervals between reclosing operations.

Thus if, after having been driven down, the catch |31 engages one of the teeth A, B or C during its upward travel, the upward motion of the slider 35 is delayed by the resistance tomotion of the sector |3| which is introduced by the escapement mechanism. This mechanism.

, for identification,4 consists of the gears |5|, |53,

along with the shaft |55, ratchet |51 and anchor |5| Thus the delay is determined by the adjustment of the weights lss.

The counterclockwise action brought about on the sector |3| by the rising catch |31 Winds up the escapement spring |41, so that after the catch |31 disengages a tooth A, B or C, the escapement may run down in the reverse direction under action of said wound spring |41. This causes the sector |3| to return slowlytoward its starting position (with delayed action) due to the escapement mechanism. It should be recalled in this respect that the vescapement mechanism is of the re- -versing type, that is, it inserts inertia resistance to motion of the sector |3| in either direction of motion of the'latter.

appear.

Operationof the mechanism so far described is as follows:

Assume that an overload currents occurs on the line |3, |5 and that the parts are in the closed-circuit condition shown in Figs. 1-5. The surge will instantaneously energize the solenoid |1, since the time lag of a solenoid is very small. This instantaneously rotates the lever 89 clockwise. Thus the extension 81 of lever 89. immediately vwithdraws the slide 3| from the catch 19. No matter how violent the action on the lever 89, this has substantially no deleterious force eiects on the remainder of the operating linkage. Since the wound-up spring |2| is biasing the ratchet |09, by Way or pawl H5, it then drives the crank 1| counterclockwise through the gear train |01, |05, |04 and shaft 13. The action proceeds only to the point shown in Fig. S, because in tending to drive down the link 61 and the slide 35, resistance is encountered from the ciosed latch 51, 59.

The latch 51, 59 is in the closed position because it takes some time for the overload current through the bimetal thermostatic coil 21 to have its effect in generating heat and in causing shrinkage in the length of the coil. This provides the desirable inverse time-current characteristic above mentioned, that is, a heavy current for a short time will have an effect similar to a lighter current for a longer time, considering each on an overload basis. Current which is considered to be of the non-overload variety will not energize the solenoid armature 99, nor

shorten the coil 21 suiliciently to open the latch4 51, 59.

Current of an overload amount flowing for an insufficient time, although it has operated the solenoid release, may not operate to release the latch 51, 59; in which event the circuit will not open.

a Overload current owing for a predetermined time will effect opening of the latch 51, 59, by shrinkage of coil 21 operating to move the arm 25 counterclockwise, thus lifting the link 63 and moving the bell-crank 55 counterclockwise. When this latch 51, 59 is released, biased crank 1| drives the linkage 51, 35, the slide 35 being driven down to open the circuit. Continued rotation of the crank 1| then promptly starts the slider up toward reclosing the circuit; but at this time the catch |31 engages under the tooth A of the sector ratchet |3| (see Fig. 9). Therefore, upon the upward movement oi' the slider 35, the escapement mechanism is temporarily engaged as indicated in Fig. 9, and the sector |3| is driven to the position shown in Fig. l0. This introduces the time-delay action during the reclosing action.

As the tooth A moves to the left and disengages, catch |31 is released and the circuit recloses.

-Assuming that upon the ilrst reclosure of the and disengaging a tooth A, B or C. as the case l The purpose of this willcircuit, that which caused the overload current has not cleared the line. this means that the solenoid I1 has not yet been de-energized. Hence the slide 8| is 'not back in position to block the second cycle of movement of the catch 19. Nor is the laten 51, 59 reclosed. Therefore nothing 1S in the way of the'spring |2I continuingto drive v the mechanism 1|, 61, 35 (through gear train |01,

rising catches that tooth further to drive the seci torl |3| counterclockwise with delayed action. Tooth B also nally moves to the left to release |31 for the scecond delayed circuit reclosure.

If upon the second delayed reclosure the line has not yet cleared, a third reopening of the cir-` cuit will occur inthe manner above described for the rst and second opening, but at this time the tooth C of the sector |3| is horizontal (its return also having been delayed) and it (tooth C) will be caught by the catch |31 moving up for the third time (Fig. 1l). In this instance, however, the delay is indefinitely long, because by thistime the tail piece |33 of sector |3| contacts the stop |35, thus permanently hanging the mechanism in circuit open position until some manual action is taken to reclose it. In other words, when a fault occurs, the apparatus will cause `oneopening land one delayed reclosure, then a second opening and a. second delayed reclosure,

and then a third opening, without a third reclosure until'steps are taken manually to reclose, preferably after the line has been cleared.

If some transient phenomenon has caused the trouble and clears before the third opening of the circuit, the solenoid I1 will have been deenergized so that thesolenoid spring IOI will have set the lever 89 to insert -slide 8| under the slider 35v to closed circuit position.. In Figi 12 the manual reclosing action is' proceeding withouthaving been completely consummated. i

However, the device is trip free, since `if the; bell-crank |89 is moved or held counterclockwise. as just above described, before the fault has been cleared, on the next downward switch opening i stroke of the slider 35, the dog |15 simply foldsi up in coming down uponvthe pad |13 (see Fig. 14). Thus the bell-crank |89 is prevented from pushing the lever of the link |39 to the right and the.pickup action of the catch |31 occurs on the tooth C, whereupon the. permanent open condition is again reached. Tooth C is the one engaged at this time, because time-delay action has prevented it from returning to the Fig.v 1 position. Under this set of conditions the latch 51, 59 of course remains open due to the shortened condition of the warm bimetal thermostat 21, and the'slideBI remains pulled out from the catch 19, because the solenoid remains energized. In4 general, only one reclosure and reopening occurs under thev trip-free action; because prev sumably when the closing operation is attempted the switch is open and the sector |3| is then in the Fig. 11 position. Therefore release of the catch |31 from behind the tooth C would simply result Yin one reclosure and a reopening with a recatching behind the tooth C which will not have had time to return in view of the delay` caused by the escapement mechanism. However. the device is also trip free even if several opera- Ations are required for ropening, as when the recatch 19. .Thus the further driving action on the mechanism from the spring |2| is resisted. In the meantime, the thermostatic coil 21 will have cooled down to its state corresponding to normal current flow. Its consequent lengthening will have depressed the link 83 and will have 4, placed the latch 51, 59 in position to close,-so that subsequent circuit openings cannot occur.

closing operation starts with tooth A horizontal as in Figs. 1.

In order conveniently to operate the bell-crank |69, a depending link |8| is pivoted to it at |83, which may be operated from below. The link |8I also extends up and is biased upward by 'means of a. springi |85 carried on an extension |81 from the frame 49. l

There is another operating characteristicdesired, which is facility for manually permanently opening 'and reclosing the circuit, as desired, under conditions of no fault. 'I'his allows fo control of the circuit for working on it.

'I'he linkage for this purpose consists of a rocker |89 pivoted on the frame at |9I and having a lost-motion pin and slot connection |93 with the link |8|. This rocker |89 is biased clockwise by a spring |95. At its right-hand end, a. catch |91 is pivoted at |99. This catch |91 is pulled coun.-

terclockwise by means of the spring 20| reacting Assuming next that the overload fault is of such duration that'the device operates repeatedly as-above described, finally to hang it in opencircuit position, this will require a means forl manually reclosing the circuit by a lineman after repairs have been made. The linkage for this purpose comprises a bellLcrank |69 pivoted at |1| to an extension from the frame 49. This carries' a convex pad |13 which cooperates with a dog .|15 attached to the lower end of the linieL |39. This dog is normally biased counterclockwisfekby a spring |11 to a: downwardposition wherein a tail stop |19 rests against the left side of link |39. Therefore, if the bell-crank |59 is manuallyrotated counterclockwise, the pad |13 will push the dog |15 to the right, provided the dog |15 is down as is the case when the mechanism is in open-circuit position as shown in Fig. 12. This action results in counterclockwise motion of the link |39, which frees the catch |31 from behind tooth C. As soon as this release is made. the tension spring contracts and drives up the from the rocker |89 itself. At the left, the rocker |89 is provided with a depending operating link 203 Awhich may be pulled down or pushed 'I'he lost-motion connection |93 allows the reeloser bell-crank'l69 to be operated independently of complete operation of the hold-open'rocker |89, but not vice-versa. Therefore, if under normal closed conditions of. the -circuit, the lever` 2031s pulled down, the link |8| also will be oper-v ated while the rocker |89 isxrotatedcounterclockwise. Thiswill place the catch |91 up and to tlieleft. Then when the link 81 is driven down, a platen205 thereon will be caught by the catch |91 as indicated inFig.v13.

For the link 81 to be driven down at this time, the slide/8| must be pulled to the vleft and the latch 51, 59 must be opened. It is for this pur' pgi tlilatythe link |8| is extended upward for o n g a pivot connection 201 wi bell-crank-209. th a double Withdrawal of the plate 8| is effected byconnecting tothe upper leg of the double bell-'crank 209 a link 213 which is curved in horizontal view as shown in Fig. 6. This link 2|3 Ahas an exten? sion 2 I5 which rides through an opening 2li and is formed as a cam 2I1. It is normally biased upward by a spring 2|9. When the links 203, and consequently lili, are pulled down and the double bell-crank 208 is rotated counterclockwise, this drives the link 2|3 to the left. Its end 22| contacts a lug 223 on the plate 8|, thus drawing the plate' 'out' from the catch 19 and permitting the circutopening action from power spring 12|.

voperations on fifty successive days. This is'because after a single operation (opening and reclosing) th'e escapement mechanism always returns to its initial position ready for another operation. It is onlythree openings in succession that brings about permanent opening.

- the Another .ieg of the beu-crank'zos ,one lower leg) is connected to a push link 2|2which has a lost motion-:connection at 2H withl a pin 2|0 B on the latch bell-crank 55. This effects release of the latch 51, 59 'at the time thelinksr203 and si |0| have been pulled down toward their 'lower limits.

ction ol the catch |91 on the platen 205 when e latter is at its lowest position. Theparts are en in the position shown in Fig. 13.

tithe catch |91 from the platen 205 and allows the 'slider 35 under action of springs I5`and 2| to theizcircuit with time delay. The plate 8l and latch?` 51, 58 return to holding positions through facil n of spring |85. Therefore the circuit remainshut.

:The-purpose of the cam 2l1 (Figs. l, 4 and 6) o-depress the end 22| of the plate-operating ,3 during the terminal portions of its Thus the plate 8| may return to holding JW.. ment time-delay mechanism is quite convenient nyobtaining the time-delay action in both directions, of.rv movement thereof, but that other nie-,delayimechanisms may be adapted to the controlalone to have its effect on stopping the ,operation ,of the cycling reclosing mechanism.

Thus such vaV quick-operating device as the sole noid orits equivalent is the only type that can be depended upon to stop the cycling action short of continuing the operation until the switch remains openl` Since the latter condition is only desired 'fwhen ythe fault does not clear quickly, it will be `fseen' that the quick-acting solenoid control serves y the function of conserving, to a minimum, switch opening and closing operations-when the overload promptly clears.

It will be seen that an advantage of the invention is that operation is not driven to its limit by two reclosures and three circuit-opening opl'eratioris unless these occur in direct and continuuccession. .It successive individual opera- Opening is made permanent by the catching ...To reclose thecircuit under no-fault condions, the link 203 is pushed up. This releases l be understood that the described escaperiseewith time delay due tc tooth A, thus closing contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted I as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

We claim:

1. A reclosing repeater switch lcomprising a mechanism movable through repeating cycles to open and close the switch -during each cycle,

means biasing the mechanism to cycle, a catch normally biased to prevent cycling, a solenoid responsive to overload current adapted to withdraw the catch, a latch preventing development of cycling despite removal of said catch, and means responsive to overload current but having a time lag with respect to the solenoid for releas ing said latch to effect cycling of the mechanism under its bias. y

2. A reclosing repeater switch comprising a mechanism movable through repeating cycles to open and close the switch during each cycle, means biasing the mechanism to cycle, a catch normally -biased to prevent cycling, a solenoid responsive to overload current adapted to withdraw the catch, a latch preventing development of cycling despite removal of said catch, thermostatic means responsive' to overload current but having a time lag with respect to the solenoid for releasing said latch, and time-delay means adapted automatically to couple with the cycling mechanism when the latter operates toward switch closing position.

3. A reclosing repeater switch comprising a mechanism movable through repeating cycles to open and close the switch during each cycle, means biasing the mechanism to cycle, catch means biased to prevent cycling, a solenoid responsive to overload adapted to withdraw the catch, a latch preventing development of cycling despite removal of said catch, means responsive to overload but having a time lag with respect to the solenoid for releasing said latch, timedelay means adapted automatically to couple `A(circuitopenin: and reclosing) occur diswith the cycling mechanism when the latter operates toward switch closing position, said timedelay means being -biased toward an initial position and operating with time delay in returning to said initial position, the time-delay means havingmeans whereby it 'may be coupled to and releasedfrom said cycling means at any of various positions of the time-delay means.

4. A reclosing repeater switch comprising a mechanism movable through repeating cycles to open and close the switch during each cycle, means biasing 'the mechanism to cycle,catch means biased to prevent cycling, a solenoid responsive to overload adapted to withdraw the catch to permit cycling, a latch preventing development of cycling despite removal of said catch, means responsive to overload but having aftime lag with respect to the solenoid for releasing said latch, time-delay 'means adapted automaticallyA to couple with the cycling mechanism when the latter operates toward vswitch closing position, saidtime-delaymeans being biased toward an initial position and operating with time delay -in returning tosaid' initial position,

the'time-delay means having means whereby it maybe coupled to and released from saidcycling .means at any of variousfpositions of the timedelay means until a ilnal position is reached in means biased to prevent cyclingfa solenoid responsive to overload adapted to withdraw the catch to permit-cycling, a latch preventing development of cycling despite removal of said catch, means responsive to overload but havingl a time lag. with respect to the solenoid for releasing said latch, time-delay means adapted automatically to couple with the cycling means when the latter operates toward switch closing position,

said time-delay means being biased toward an.

initial position and operating with time delay in returning to said initial position, the time-delay' means having meanswhereby it maybe coupled i to and released from said cycling means at any oi.' various positions of the time-delay means until a final position is reached in which coupling is effected-but uncoupling between the time-delay means and the cycling means cannot occur, whereby the switchis maintained open, manual means for uncoupling the time-delay means and the cycling means, whereby the switch may be reclosedA under, normal load conditions, and means for cyclically operating the switch to permanent open position under conditions oi overload despite manual operation toward closed circuit position o! the switch.

6. A reclosing repeater switch comprising a mechanism movable through repeating cycles to open and closev the switch during each cycle, means biasing the mechanism to cycle, catch means biased to prevent cycling, a solenoid responsive to overload adapted 'to withdraw the catch, a latch preventing development of cycling despite removal of said catch, means responsive to overload `but having' a time lag with respect to the solenoid tor releasing said latch, time-delay means adaptedautomaticaliy to couple withthe cycling means when the latter operates toward switch closing position, said time-delay means being biased toward an initial' position and operatmanual operation toward closed circuitposition ofthe switch, and manually operable means for releasing both the catch and the latch, whereby the cycling means drives the switch shut.A

'1. A' reclosing repeater switch comprising a mechanism movable through repeating cycles to open and close the switch during each cycle,

switch closing position, said time-delay means,

means biasing the mechanism to cycle, catch means biased to prevent cycling, a solenoid responsive to overload adapted, to withdraw the catch, a latch-preventing development of cycling despite removal oi said catch, means responsive to overload but having a time lag with respect to the solenoid for releasing said latch, `time-delay meansv adapted automatically to couple withfthe v cycling means when the latter operates toward being biased toward an initial position and operating with time delay in returning to said initial position, the time-delay means i havingzi means whereby it may be coupled to and released from said cycling means at any of various positions of the time-delay means until a final position is reached in which coupling is 'eilectedxbutzsuncoupling between the time-delay means and the cycling means cannot occur, wherebythe .fswitch is maintained open, manual means forruncoupling the time-delay means and 'the' cyclingffmeans, whereby the switch may be losedxmeans' lor cyclically operating the switch to permanent fopen position under conditions "of, overload@v despite manual operation toward closed circuit'fposition of the switch, manually operable rneans'fior releasing both the catch and the latch, whereby under normal conditions the cycling-means` drives the switch shut, and manually operablemeans cooperating with said last-named means'l for latching the cyclically operating means'in-fmldcycle to prevent switch closingr under normal current conditions. I "'ffff 8. Electrical reclosing apparatus-comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts,l a 'solenoid having a winding and an armature and'atherr mostatic element electrically connectedin series overload current.

y9.V Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to vopen ,and close a circuit, through the contacts, a solenoid and a thermostatic element in series with one lng. with time delay in returning to said initial position, the time-delay means having meansv whereby itv may be coupled to and released from said cycling means .at any of variouspositions of the time-delay means until a final position is reached in which coupling is effected butuncoupling between the time-delay means and the cycling means cannot occur, whereby the switch is maintained open, manual means for uncoupling the time-delay means and the cycling means,

whereby the switch may be reclosed, means for cyclically operating the switch to permanent open another and said switch when the latter is closed,l said4 thermostaticelement being adapted to heat and move in response vto overload current, av movable linkage connected tothe switch for driving the latteropen and shut, and control connections fromthe solenoid and the thermos'tatic element to the linkage for releasing the linkage for motion in response to overload current.

l0. Electrical reclosing apparatusV comprising circuit contacts, switch means movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to thev switch and to operate through a cycleito open the switchv and subsequently to close it, a iirst'and a'second opposition under conditions ofA overload despite erating release i'or'the holding it against its bias, electrical means operative instantaneously in response to overload current substantially regardless of the value of said overload current to energize the iirst release, and electrical means also responsive to overload current but having substantially inverse time-current characteristics for operating 'the second release.

11. Elecrtical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch and biased to operate through a cycle to open the switch and subsequently to close` it, a first and a second control for the mechanism normally blocking its motion against its bias, solenoid means operative instantaneously in response to overload current substantially regardless of the value of said overload current torelease the first control, and thermostatic electricai means responsive to overload current with substantially inverse time-current characteristics for releasing the second control, whereby the mechanism may move to open Y and close the switch.

12. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch and biased to op erate through a cycle to open the switch and subsequently to close it, a first and a second control i'or the mechanism normally blocking its motion against itsV bias, solenoid means operative instantaneously in response to overload current substantially regardless of the value of said overload current to release the iirst control, thermostatic electrical means responsive to overload current with substantially inverse time-current characteristics for releasing the second control, whereby the mechanism may move to open and close the switch, and time-delay means connected with said mechanism to delay reclosing movement.

13. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch and biased to operate through a cycle to open thel switch and subsequently to close it, a rst and a second control for the mechanism holding it against its bias, electrical means operative instantaneously in response to voverload current substantially regardless of the value of said overload current to release the rst control, and electrical means naving substantially inverse time-current characteristics for releasing the second control, said instantaneously operable means comprising a solenoid and said inverse time-current means comprising a composite metallic thermostat.

14. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch and biased to operate repeatedly through cycles and opening and closing the switch, a iirst control means and a second control means each adapted to block and release the mechanism for cycling movement, a

solenoid responsive to overload current instanagainst cycling, said thermostatic neans operating with inverse time-current characteristics.

15. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch and biased to operate repeatedly through cycles to open and close the switch, time-delay means delaying each reclosure but after a predetermined number of continuously successive cycles indefinitely blocking reclosure, a iirst control means and a secc-nd control means each adapted to block and release the mechanism for cycling movement, a solenoid responsive to overload current instantaneously to operate the first control to release the `mechanism and responsive to normalcurrent to operate the iirst control instantaneously to block oycling movement, a thermostatic means responsive to overload current to heat to operate the second control to release the mechanism for cycling and responsive to normal current to operate the second control to block the mechanisn against cycling, said thermostatic means operating with inverse time-current characteristics.

16. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to openr and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch means and biased to operate repeatedly through cycles opening and closing the switch, time-delay means delaying each reclosure but after a predetermined number of continuously successive cycles indeiinitely blocking reclosure, manual means for releasing the blocking to effect reclosure, a first control means and a second control means each adapted to block and release the mechanism for cycling movement, a solenoid responsive to overload current instantaneously to operate the iirst control to release the mechanism and responsive to normal current to operate the iirst controlrinstantaneously to block cycling movement, a thermostatic means responsive lto overload current to heat to operate the second control to release the mechanism for cycling and responsive to normal current to operate the second control to block the mechanism against cycling, said thermostatic means -operating with inverse time-current characteristics.

17. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch means and biased to operate repeatedly through cycles opening and closing the switch, time-delay means delaying each reclosure but after a predetermined number of continuously successive cycles indeiinitely blocking reclosure, manual means for releasing the blocking to eflecttreclosure, a rst control means and a second control means each adapted to -block and release `the niechanismior cycling movement, a solenoid responsive' to overload current instantaneously to operate the iirst control to release the mechanism and responsive to normal current` lto '.operate`the iirst control instantaneously toblock cycling movement, a thermostatic meansresponsiveto overload current to heat to operate thef/sec'ond control to release the mechanism for eyclingia'nd responsive to normal current to operatev lthe second'control to block the mechanism against cycling, said thermostatic means operating with inverse time-current characteristics land means for making said manual reclosure means trip free.

18. Electrical reclosing apparatus comprising circuit contacts, a switch movable to open and close a circuit through the contacts, a mechanism connected to the switch and biased to operatere'- peatedly through cycles to open and close the switch, a iirst control means and a second control means each adapted to block and release the mechanism for cycling movement, a solenoid responsive to, overload current instantaneously to operate the ilrst control to release the mechanism and responsive to normal current to operate the firstv control instantaneously vto block cyclingv -movement, a thermostatic means responsive t overload current to heat to operate the second controlto release the mechanism for cycling and responsive' to normal current to operate the secy ond control to block the mechanism against cycling, said thermostatic means operating with inverse time-current characteristics. time-delay -means associated with said mechanism for delaying each reclosure until a. predetermined number of continuously successive reclosures has occurred, after which it indeilnitely delays reclosure, manual means for reclosing the time-delay i biased loperation ot the adapted automatically to prevent a continued solenoid is' deenergized.

22. A switch recloser comprising a linkage biased to pass-through a cycle of `operation to open and reclose the switch, catch means cooperating with the linkage and normally positioned to resist such bias, a solenoid adapted to set' said' catch means to release the linkage for initial biased` switch opening movement, a latch associatedwith the linkage adapted when closed to prevent development of said initial switch opening movement but at any time permitting the nal switch .closing movement, `a thermostatic element in se- ,ries with said solenoid and adapted in response toheating caused by excess current therethrough to open the latch, to permit complete opening and reclosing movement, and time-delay means adapted automatically'to be coupled to said llinkage when the latter moves toward switch closinl position.

23.' reclosing repeater switch comprising ai linkage biased to pass through a cycle of operation, catch means cooperating with the linkage and normally positioned to resist such bias, a solenoid in the circuit served by the switch\to set said catch means to release the linkage for bias age to passthrough a cycle. of operation to open and reclose the switch, catchmeans cooperating with the linkage and normally positioned to resist the bias, a solenoid adapted to set said catch v means tov release the linkage for initial biased movement, a latch associated with the linkage adapted when closed to prevent development of said initial movement, and a thermostatic element adapted in response to heating caused -by excess current therethrough to vopen said latch to permit complete cyclic movement of the switch through an open to areclosed condition.

20. A switch recloser comprising a switch Open'- ing and reclosing linkage,means biasing the linkage to pass through a cycle of operation to open and reclose the switch; catch means cooperating lwith the linkage and normally positioned to resist the fbias, a solenoid in said circuit adapted to set said catch means to release the linkage for initial biased movement, a latch associated with the linkage adapted when closed to prevent development of said initial movement. and a current-heated thermostatic element in series with said solenoid and adapted in response to heating caused by excess currenttherethrough to Aopen said latch to permit complete cyclic movement of the switch through an open to a reclosed condition, said solenoid and thermostat being also c onnected in series with the switch.

21. A switch recloser comprising a switch opening and reclosing linkage, means biasing the linkage to pass through a cycleof operation to open and Areclose the switch, catch means cooperating with the linkage and normally positioned tol rei sist the bias, a solenoid in seriesin the circuit served by the switch, the solenoid being adapted when energized to set said catch means'to release the linkage for initial biased movement, a latch associated with the linkage adapted when lclosed to prevent development o! said initial movement e but at any time permitting the 'final closing movement, and a thermostatic element in series with said solenoid in said circuit and adapted inre sponse to heating caused by excess current therethrough to openthe latch, said catch means being movement, switch contacts in said circuit, a member movable back and forthto open and close the contacts respectively and coupled to said linkage for contact opening movement during initial linkage movement and for contact closing move ment during 'nnal linkage movement, a latch when closed preventing said initial opening Vmovement but at any time permitting the final closing movementa thermostatic element in series with said solenoid and adapted inresponse to heating caused by excess current therethrough to open the latch, time-delay means adapted automatically to couple `to said movable member when the latter moves toward switch closing position, said time-delay means being biased toward an initial position and operated against bias duringl said switch closing action of the movable member and being adapted to return withtime delay.

toward its initial position, and means associated with said time-delay means for making connection therewith at any oi the positions which it may assume inits time-delay return action during switch open periods.

24. A reclosing repeater switch comprising a I linkage biased to pass through a cycle of operation, catch means cooperating with the linkage and .normally positioned to resist such bias, a solenoid in the circuit served by the switch and responsive to overload to set said catch means to release the linkage for bias movement, the catch means being adapted automatically to return to blocking position upon cessation of the overload, switch contacts in said circuit, a

member movable back and forth to open and close the contacts respectively and coupled to said linkage for contact opening movement during initial linkage movement and for contact closing movement during final linkage movement, a latch which when closed prevents said initial opening movement but at any time permits the nnalclosing movement, a thermostatic element inseries with said solenoid and adapted in response'to heating caused by excess current` therethrough tov open the latch, time-delay means adapted automatically to couple to said movable member when the latter moves toward switch closing position, said time-delay means being biased 'toward an initial position and oplinkae provided said erated against bias during vsaid switch closing action of the movable member and being adapted to return with time delay toward its initial position, and means associated with said time-delay means for making connection therewith at any of the positions which it may assume in its timedelay return action during switch open periods. 25. A reclosing repeater switch comprising cycling means for successively opening and closing the switch, a solenoid in series with the switch, a thermostat responsive to heating caused by excessive current in series with said solenoid and switch, means responsive to energization of the solenoid by excess current adapted merely to initiate movement, of the, cycling means, and means responsive to normal current and heating of the thermostat adapted to prevent further movementl of the cycling means but in response to excess 4current and heating of the thermostat adapted to permit said movement through a switch opening and to a switch closing condition,

' 26. A reclosing repeater s'witch comprising cycling means for successively opening and closing the switch, a solenoid in series with the switch, a thermostat responsive to heating caused by excess current also in series .with said solenoid and switch, means responsive to energization of the solenoid by excess current adapted merely to initiate movement of the cycling means, means responsive to normal current and heating of the, thermostat adapted to prevent further movement of the cycling means but in response to excess current and heating of the thermostat adapted to permit said movement through a switch opening .and to a switch closing condition, and means biasing the solehold-operated means toward its initial position to prevent actuation of the cycling means.

27. A reelosing repeater switch comprising cycling means for successively opening and clos- CFI ing the switch, a solenoid in series with the switch, a thermostat responsive to heating caused by excess current in series with said solenoid and switch, means responsive to energization of the solenoid by excess current adapted merely to initiate movement of the cycling means, means responsive to normal current and heating of the thermostat adapted to prevent iurther movement of the cycling means but in response to excess current and heating of the thermostat adapted to permit said movement through a switch opening and to a switch closing condition, means biasing the solenoid-operated means toward its initial position, and time-delay means adapted initially to vdelay reclosure operation and ilnally to prevent it altogether.

28. A reclosing repeater switch comprising cycling means for successively opening and closing the switch, a solenoid in series with the switch, a thermostat responsive to heating caused by excess current in series with said solenoid and switch, means responsive to energization of the solenoid by excess current adapted merely to initiate movement of the cycling means, means responsive to normal current and heating of the thermostat adapted to prevent further movement of the cycling means but in response to excess current and heating of the thermostat adapted to lpermit said movement through a switch opening and to a switch closingcondition, means biasing the solenoidoperated means toward its initial position, timedelay means adapted initially to delay reclosure operation and nally 'to prevent it altogether, and manual means for releasing the connection between the switch operating means and said time-delay means.

'ri-:rEoDoRE BIRKENMAIER. CARL E. MosLEY.

DISCLAIMER 2,321,122.`-Theodore Brkenmaer, St. Louisand Carl E. Mosley, Overland' Mo,.

'REcLoslNG CIRCUIT BBEAKER. Patent dated June 8, 1943. Disc aimer filed August 14, 1944, by the assignee, W. N. Matthews Corporation, the inventors, assenting and concurring.

Hereby disclaims claims 1 to 4 inclusive, 10 to 16, inclusive, and 25, 26, 27, and

28- of said patent.

DISCLAIMER 2,321,122.` Theodore Birkenmaz'er, St. Louis,a.nd Carl E. Mosley, Overland Mo.

'REcLosrNG CIRCUIT BBEAKEB. Patent dated June 8, 1943. Disc aimer filed August 14, 1944, by the assignee, W. N. Matthews Corporation, the inventors, assenting and concurring.

Hereby disclaims claims 1 to 4 inclusive, 10 to 16, inclusive, and 25, 26, 27, and

28 of said patent.

[Qc'ial Gazette September 12, 1944.] 

